Yesterday’s music will always be there. So why is it such a crime to turn your attention on tomorrow?

I have a hard time analyzing classic-sounding music made in recent years. Many music lovers prefer albums made before 1970 or 80 while having trouble connecting with today’s music, and that’s fine. That might be me someday, but look at this battering my Best Ever Albums list has taken over the years. Rude.

But those same people adore today’s artists who make music that sounds like it was from their favorite era. It is their truth, therefore, it must be mine as well – the standard for how music must be judged.

I have one issue with that.

Take a recent release from Natural Child for example. It sounds like it was made around the time we had our first moon landing.

But it’s 2014. I’m not denying its standing as a legitimate piece of art, but that sound was already mastered in the 70s. And in the throwback tracks from the 80s. And 90s. And so forth.

We already have that record, just by a different band from a different era. If you started listening to every quality record from any decade, your life would end before you could even scratch the surface.

This isn’t meant to disrespect the musicians following their creative endeavor to whichever era they find inspiration, but we have an infinite amount of untapped sounds to get to.

We’ve heard all we can from the past, give the future a chance.

Kid Cudi – Satellite Flight

This post was all ready to go until Kid Cudi had to stealth bomb his album onto iTunes this morning:

BOARDING! http://t.co/jjPEMjmyGh

— Scott Mescudi (@ducidni) February 25, 2014

On top of that, I can’t embed the album because it isn’t on Spotify yet, so the page’s consistency is now ruined. We have schedules, Cud, we can’t afford to have these kinds of setbacks. No matter.

Last year’s Indicud was a mess, which was discouraging since it followed in the greatness of Man on the Moon, Vol. II: The Legend of Mr. Rager. It seems we’re back to the good ol’ days. Satellite Flight is Kid Cudi at his best, making weird sounds over intricate beats and layers.

I forgive you for upsetting the status quo. It was worth the wait, or lack thereof.

Beck – Morning Phase

Out-of-your-face Beck is the best Beck. His eclectic sounds are best received from a distance.

The profound mellowness of Morning Phase make his first album in several years a perfect headphone listen. It’s a wonderful trip.

I liked this album way more than I thought I would.

The Fray – Helios

You can’t feel bad when listening to The Fray. It’s mature, wholesome and often times inspiring. If “Love Don’t Die” from this, their fourth album, wasn’t any indication, this band has developed a strong backbone.

They have songs with a gritty beat now, not just those heartfelt ballads. As a follower of The Fray since their very first single, this may very well be their most well-rounded album to date.

Updated Best of 2014 playlist:

I put Sun Kil Moon on there because of the overwhelming popularity surrounding Benji. I want it on record saying that I do not think it should be on this playlist.

By all means, tell me how wrong I am.